It's official - survey work starts on Ladies Mile bus lane

by Peter Newport - Jul 30, 2021

In something of a surprise development NZTA has confirmed that pink survey pegs along Ladies Mile are linked to their proposed road widening or bus lane project. It's not yet clear if the position of the pegs means that the famous Ladies Mile trees are at risk.

Will the famous Ladies Mile trees survive the road widening?

Crux was making enquiries about the appearance of the pegs with QLDC and we received this news from Simon Underwood, a senior NZTA project manager:

"The pink markers/pegs delineate the road boundary. They are being put in place to assist in the upcoming investigations ahead of design.

"The upcoming NZ Upgrade programme of works will be delivering a range of projects along State Highway 6, including Ladies Mile, and State Highway 6a. While construction is not due to start until early next year, the design stage is now underway. The project includes building bus lanes to prioritise public transport on SH6. "

We were also given a link to this map that shows the extent of the planned works.

NZTA's roading upgrade map

Further information on the $115 million project was also supplied by NZTA.

The pegs run for around 2kms out from the Stalker Road roundabout

"The NZ Upgrade Programme provides $115 million to build on the success of improved public transport services by funding a range of projects on SH6 and SH6A, between Ladies Mile, Kawarau Falls Bridge and Queenstown’s town centre. Bus lanes will be built to prioritise travel by public transport on SH6 and there will be some targeted bus priority measures on SH6A. These will be supported by an improved bus hub at Frankton.

The investment also includes a new roundabout at Howards Drive, Lake Hayes Estate access.

The focus of this package is to improve infrastructure to support public transport, facilitate mode shift and help reduce reliance on private vehicle use.

Designs for the works is expected to begin in late 2021, with an estimated construction start date early next year." Source NZTA.